Perhaps the most recognizable figure in the history of pool, Rudolph “Minnesota Fats” Wanderone was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984 for Meritorious Service. Although he never actually won a designated “world championship,” Wanderone, the game’s leading comic, orator and publicity generator, has probably done more for the game in terms of sheer exposure than any other player. Initially nicknamed “Brooklyn Fats,” and “New York Fats,” Wanderone dubbed himself “Minnesota Fats” after the film version of “The Hustler” hit movie screens around the country in the early 1960’s. Since that time he has become known around the world as pool’s foremost side show. “Fats,” whose exact age is a mystery, hosted a national television show, “Celebrity Billiards,” during the 1960s. He stopped playing in tournaments around that time.

The purpose of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame is to honor outstanding people who, through their competitive skills and dedication, have enriched our sport and industry.

Two categories have been established in Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. The Greatest Player category shall be reserved for outstanding players who have been active in national or international competition for at least 20 years and have won at least one national or international championship. The Meritorious Service category shall be reserved for those who have made lasting, memorable and important contributions to billiards.